Classic Sofas with a Global Vibe

With so much interest in handcrafted global style elements in interior design right now, classic sofas may have roots in any culture around the world and may be neither traditional nor simple sofas. By incorporating furniture and accessions from diverse cultures, you can create your own unique handcrafted style.

The Marrakech Leather Settee is a great example of a classic Moroccan sofa that would work beautifully with furnishings, textiles and decorative accessories to bring a global vibe into your living space. This leather sofa, made in Morocco of carved cedar and handcrafted metal, would definitely be a stunning focal point in any room.

• Posted at 5:29 PM
• settees, sofas
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Footstools with a Past: Paulin Mushroom

Want to make a small style statement with a distinguished footstool? Perhaps you just want to have a little fun and add some color to your living space. Either way, modern ottomans and footstools can help you reach your goal.

The Artifort Mushroom Footstool by Pierre Paulin can add that special touch to a contemporary living room, sitting room or dressing room. Designed in 1960, the Mushroom has stood the test of time. This reproduction from Artifort comes in many colors and fabrics. Own a piece of design history that's sure to be the center of attention in any space.

• Posted at 6:58 AM
• footstools, ottomans
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Casual Sofas Show Art Deco Style

Great good looks aren't always about fussy designs. Sometimes less is more, as in stylish simple sofas and many of today's casual sofas. One such design is the Angelo HOME Crawford Sofa from Angelo Surmelis. The new mango art deco fabric and papaya pillows complement the beautiful lines of the sofa. With slightly flared arms and dark wood feet, the Crawford would be a wonderful addition to a home office or library.

The company says the fabric is polyester, the construction is hardwood, the seat has pocket coils and the back has extra thick cushioning, so this sofa should keep its good looks for a long time.

• Posted at 4:39 AM
• sofas, two seater sofas
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Leather Sofas are Sleepers Too

Is it time to get overnight guests off the inflatable mattress and onto a comfortable bed? Are you also looking for a new sofa? You can take care of both with one of the leather sofas in StylePath's classic sofas collection.

The Coja Durham Leather Sleeper Sofa is beautiful and offers a queen sized pullout bed. Made of top grain leather, this sofa is super comfortable with a feather down blend stuffing in the seat cushions and back. Great details include carved wood legs, top stitching and cool metal studs outlining the front surface of the sofa's curvy arms.

• Posted at 11:47 AM
• leather sofas, sofas
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Fun with Leather Loveseats

If you're looking at leather loveseats and settees, you might want to see what Herman Miller has to offer. When the name Herman Miller is mentioned today, we usually think office furniture, and it's true they make high quality products for the office, but this company also has a long history of bringing modern designer furniture to the consumer. For instance, they teamed up with George Nelson in 1956 to introduce the Nelson Marshmallow Sofa and it's still going strong.

If your interior design style can handle it, the Herman Miller Nelson Marshmallow Sofa LoveSeat is one of those astonishing pieces that becomes the center of attention in any room and makes you smile every time you pass by. It's available in lots of colors and fabrics, including leather.

• Posted at 6:26 PM
• leather loveseats, loveseats
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Versatile White Dressers are a Tradition

We think we've discovered one of StylePath's traditional dressers that is sure to show up in lots of bedrooms with many different looks. The versatile Camden White Dressing Chest from American Drew would be as beautiful in a farmhouse or beach cottage as it would in a traditional urban home. It's a great piece to stand on its own, but also comes as part of a bedroom set by the same name for those who like matching furniture.

From the worn white finish to the stylish nickel finished knobs on its nine drawers, this dresser speaks the language of tradition. Does it speak to you?

• Posted at 8:20 PM
• dressers, white dressers
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Causual Dining Chairs with a Plantation Feel

Evoking visions of warm island breezes and colorful sunsets over the ocean, the Bahama Breeze Side Dining Chair offers a beautiful option if you're looking to buy new casual dining chairs. This piece is one of the many designer modern dining chairs available at StylePath.

These chairs would work well with many table styles and can be easily customized since the white cushions are just begging to be covered in your own fabric to tie them into your existing décor. Need more seating? The Bahama Breeze Collection also includes a matching arm dining chair, plus bar and counter stools.

With its thick comfy seat cushion and sculptural woven back, this chair may just cause you to linger a bit longer at the dining table.

• Posted at 6:59 PM
• designer chair, dining chairs
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Simply Stylish Contemporary End Tables

Looking for sleek black end tables with simple but stylish lines? You'll find lots of choices among StylePath's vast collection of contemporary end tables. Take for instance the Trio Moderne Three Drawer Black End or Bedside Table, it's modern, beautiful and functional. Not only does it have three handy drawers, it also sports a removable serving tray. The glossy black finish and pewter colored drawer pulls are a perfect match for the table's simple, yet curvy lines. This one would be perfect as an end table in the living room, but could easily serve double duty as a bedside table. And, did I mention it's partially made of plantation grown hardwood--good for the environment?

• Posted at 4:58 PM
• black end tables, end and night tables
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Leather Chaise Lounges for Winter

If you like to snuggle up in a comfortable spot with a good book and a warm throw on a cold winter's day, then you'll love one of the many casual chaise lounges from StylePath. Contrary to popular belief, leather chaises are the perfect place to get your relaxation on. Leather may seem a bit cold when you first lounge, but the longer you stay there, the leather warms to your body temperature and will start to feel buttery smooth and warm, Leather cushions with fabric backing allow the leather to breathe and give you that sink right down sensation. The Lancaster Leather Chaise by Restoration Hardware fits the bill with all of the requirements needed to snuggle by yourself or a loved one. 

 Lancaster Leather Chaise by Restoration Hardware

• Posted at 7:27 AM
• chaise lounges, leather chaise
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Wrought Iron Modern Coffee Tables

Who: LampsPlus

• Posted at 11:04 PM
• coffee tables, wrought iron chandeliers
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Clutter-Free Computer Armoires

We talked in previous posts about how computer armoires are terrific ways to keep the cords and all of the clutter that comes with a desk top out of sight when not in use. The Camden Cream Computer Armoire is no different. It is equipped with space for CPUs, slide-out keyboard, adjustable shelves and even a dry erase door on the inside of the right door. The Camden is one of many traditional armoires from American Drew collection which is known expert construction and design.

• Posted at 3:48 PM
• armoires, computer armoires
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Friday Finds: Dramatic Black Dressers

For her high and low Friday post, Susi was inspired by the dramatic and mysterious allure created by a piece of black furniture.  With that in mind she found several black dressers to share with you. What do you think, would you be daring enough to add one to your bedroom? I would!

Vinto Five Drawer Dresser $249

Anna Five Drawer Dressers $399

Larsson Tall Dresser $749

• Posted at 5:24 PM
• black dressers, dressers
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Traditional Console Tables Go Glam

This year we have seen mirrored accents on everything from small side tables to bedroom headboards. Happily, designers couldn't keep from complimenting hall tables with this glamorous detailing. Mirrored accents and hand carved decorative hall tables take center stage leaving other traditional console tables behind. The Hillsdale Furniture Regal Elegance Mirrored Console Table is a standout beauty with a mirrored scalloped apron and decoratively turned legs which make the perfect setting for its black granite top.

• Posted at 6:04 PM
• console tables, hall tables
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Surprising Storage Benches

Modern benches offer some surprises, especially some of the updated storage benches. For those of us who fit simultaneously into two categories, people who collect "stuff" and those who entertain often, storage benches solve two problems. They give us much needed storage space and extra seating. It seems many of us never have enough of either.

The surprise comes when you see these stylish, modern benches and how many of them are designed from a different perspective, with a twist on the type of storage they offer. For example, the Bench with File Drawers from Home Decorators Collection takes extra seating into the home office. As a bonus, under its plush comfy seating are two file drawers for all that extra paperwork that constantly clutters up your workspace. Choose from black, red, Moroccan brown or eggplant cushions.

For all the other rooms in your home, you'll find many storage benches among StylePath's more than 1,000 modern benches.

• Posted at 2:28 PM
• benches, storage benches
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Consider Leather Ottomans

Not sure why, but casual ottomans, especially leather ottomans, seem to be a favorite topic of decorating conversations right now. Maybe we're just ready to take the time to put our feet up and relax. If that's the case, we'll all be looking for an ottoman that fits into our interior style. What might we expect to find?

• Budget - No problem, great choices in all price ranges
• Style – No limitations here, from traditional to modern lots of choices are available
• Size - No matter the space, size is no obstacle
• Shape - No lack of choices, square, round, oblong or even triangular
• Color – No need to suppress your need for color

The Room & Board Jackson Ottoman in Bison White is a good example of a leather ottoman that can merge well with existing furniture. It's sleek, modern and versatile. Jackson Ottoman's design will enhance your existing furniture. Made in Texas, of top-grain, dyed leather, it's definitely worth considering.

Room & Board Jackson Ottoman in Bison White

• Posted at 6:34 PM
• leather ottomans, ottomans
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Friday Finds: Chaises are All the Rage

Spotted everywhere at High Point Market this week were chaises galore in every style, color and texture. In keeping with the trend, Susi decided to bring you several neutral chases to choose from in a variety of price points to fit your budget.

Cosmo Chaise Lounge ($499)

Delmar Chaise Lounge ($349)

Rolled Back Chaise ($249)

• Posted at 4:29 PM
• chaise lounges, chaise sofas
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Black Dressers Come in All Sizes

Storage needs usually mean that when it comes to selecting a bedroom dresser or chest of drawers it's usually "the bigger the better." But sometimes space limitations dictate that you must find something on the smaller side. Add the need for a special color or finish and the search can get complicated. Say for instance, you're looking for black dressers less than 30 inches wide. No problem, since modern chest of drawers and dressers are available in many widths, styles and colors. Whether you have a very spacious bedroom or a tiny sleeping space with little room for anything other than the bed, you'll discover lots of choices to add some style and storage.

Check out our black dressers to see how many different sizes are available. The Tanner 5 Drawer Mirror Chest is just the right size to tuck into a tiny space. With mirrored drawer fronts and top, it has the classic look of Art Deco combined with sleek modern styling. The cut mirror detail is timeless and the special contemporary design of the chest is sleek modern and stylish. 

• Posted at 11:43 AM
• black dressers, dressers
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Stylish Chaise Sofas

Today's chaise sofas are light years removed from their Victorian ancestor the fainting couch. These sofas merged with casual chaise lounges make for a great alternative to your standard mix of sofa, loveseat and upholstered arm chairs.

Available in wide array of upholstery, like leather, velvet, twill and ultra-suede, these updated pieces also come in many styles from traditional to contemporary. So as to fit different room configurations chaise sofas are offered in right arm chaise and left arm chaise models.

The Jackson Sofa from Room and Board is a great modern choice. Its sleek straight lines give way to comfortable overstuffed cushions with detailed stitching. The Jackson is a perfect example of how modern seating can break from the stereotypical idea that modern furniture is cold and uncomfortable. This one is could be called stylishly comfortable. Perhaps it leads a double life, modern center of attention by day and warm cozy lounge by evening.

• Posted at 5:39 PM
• chaise lounges, chaise sofas
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Wine Cabinets Double as Dining Room Buffets

Not caught up in the current wine collecting trend? Once you take a look at all the great looking wine cabinets currently available you just might decide to start a very small collection of your own. Another perfect reason to bring home one of these stylish new cabinets is they could double as dining room buffets. Wine cabinets are not all rustic wood any more. Lots of them are updated modern versions of yesterday's wine storage racks and cabinets.

Speaking of updated and stylish, take a look at this gorgeous piece of furniture--the Artists Originals Parisian Striped Console/Wine Cabinet is oh so French and fun. With hand-painted wide stripes and antique brass finished knobs, this cabinet will be the center of attention in any room.

The Parisian would look terrific in a sunny breakfast nook along with a wire bistro set or long-skirted table and chairs with slightly curved legs.

• Posted at 3:04 PM
• buffets and sideboards, wine cabinets
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Napoleonic Style Contemporary Coffee Tables

Looking for a contemporary coffee table that will last for generations?  You just might find one among the many handcrafted coffee tables available today. For instance, the William Sheppee Rajah Square Coffee Table, reminiscent of Napoleonic campaign furniture, is not only beautiful, but extremely durable. It's crafted from one and three quarters inch acacia hardwood. It sports a planked top with hand-forged rivot hardware and shapely inward turned legs of hallow steel with a rustic black finish. Part of the Rajah collection, this square coffee table is perfect addition to a family or great room.

In addition to wood and metal coffee tables, you'll find many other contemporary coffee tables and handcrafted options. No matter your style choice, these tables come in every material imaginable, from Asian inspired rattan with glass top to wood with hand tooled leather insets. Some do double duty as lamps, storage or seating. In the world of contemporary coffee tables, it seems choices are only limited by your imagination.

• Posted at 12:52 AM
• coffee tables, wood coffee tables
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Friday Finds: Button Tufted Leather Ottomans

This week Susi brings us a high/low comparison of "button tufted brown leather ottomans(say that three times fast). As with her other high/low items, you will see price doesn't always mean poor design or low quality; in fact, there are always some great values to be found in the lower price points.

Distinction Leather Tufted Cocktail Ottoman at $1000

Cocktail Ottoman in Brown at $300

Nox Square Dark Brown Ottoman at Under $70

• Posted at 4:02 PM
• leather ottomans, ottomans
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American Drew Four Poster Beds

If you have a large master suite to fill, four poster beds will give a big presence which can diminish the sometimes cavernous feel of a big room. Their height and bulkiness should be accompanied by larger dressers and bedside tables. Even simple wood beds like the traditionally-styled American Drew Full Poster Bed in Black Cherry Maple will create a lovely focal point for any larger bedroom.

Set off  the American Drew four poster bed with matching maple-topped bedside tables and an oversize dresser with mirror. Typically, you’ll want to avoid matching sets as they can give a dated look to your décor. However, with a larger space matching woods and finishes seems to take up more space by giving a continuity of size, color and materials around the room. 

• Posted at 4:57 PM
• master bedroom furniture, wood beds
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Chinoiserie-Patterned Black End Tables

Trying to furnish a small bedroom can be a tough task, especially if you want the luxury of a queen or king size bed. If there is no negotiating the bed size, then acquiescing on dressers and small end tables or bedside tables is a must. There is one way to fit in smaller end tables on either side of the bed without them getting lost visually.  Choose from small-width decorative black end tables like the Clarkson Table with a bold Chinoiserie floral pattern raised lip dish and ornamental legs.

In French tongue, Chinoiserie signifies “Chinese-esque” referring to 17^th century artistic styles with recurring Chinese artistic themes. Whimsical and fanciful, the use of lacquer materials and decorations give it a unique look. The Clarkson Table offers the luxurious look of Chinoiserie without the price tag, it is priced just right under $275. 

• Posted at 5:08 AM
• black end tables, end and night tables
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Casually Styled Lingerie Chests

Unless you are a celebrity or uber rich you may not have experienced the feeling of owning a lingerie chest, as many women these days are lucky if they get a panty drawer or two to themselves. As caretakers, we tend to let everyone's needs come before our own, no matter whether it’s a spouse or a houseful of children. So when it comes to something as little as drawer space for our personal items we tend to accept whatever space is left over after everyone else is taken care of.

Lingerie chests tend to be considered a luxury not a necessity when it comes down to day to day reality. Break the habit of selflessness and purchase a lingerie chest just for you. It doesn’t have to be ornate, large or costly; a casual chest of drawers, like the 500 Series Six Drawer Lingerie Chest under $500, will give you ample space for all of your delicates and any other private items you may want to store. It’s up to you, it’s all yours. No more shuffling through his socks and Ts to find your items.

The 500 Series lingerie chest from Hayneedle via StylePath offers tailored classic styling, rich Cappuccino finish and brushed nickel hardware. It’s made from plantation grown hardwoods and veneers which makes it eco-friendly. So what are you waiting for? Take a break from being the caretaker and take care of yourself, you deserve something special, so treat yourself with a lingerie chest filled with all new delicates. 

• Posted at 12:07 PM
• dressers, lingerie chests
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Colorful LED Desk Lamps with Personality

With contemporary good looks and sleek design, Lite Source’s Flat Head LED Desk Lamps stands tall above other modern desk lamps. LED is short for “light-emitting diode,” or more simply put, a semiconductor light source with high intensity brightness. What does this mean for you?

The Flat Head lamp will give you bright lighting you can’t get from a standard lamp for your home office projects or your business office. The disc base and matching head stretched atop telescopic metal arms allows you to adjust lighting to suit your needs. It is available in three bright and bold hues: lime green, sky blue and orange. The colors and design make it a stylish addition to a modern or contemporary office, library or dorm room. 

Lite Source’s Flat Head LED Desk Lamp in Orange

Lite Source’s Flat Head LED Desk Lamp in Sky Blue  

Lite Source’s Flat Head LED Desk Lamp in Lime Green

• Posted at 11:53 AM
• desk lamps, LED desk lamps
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Foster + Partners Simple Modern Dining Chairs

London-based architect firm Foster + Partners, had a revelation to create a subtle all aluminum chair suitable for inclusion in their world class interiors. Simple modern dining chairs such as this were not available at the time among the many designer modern dining chairs on the market. So they set about to remedy this.

The objective: The chair’s design had to be low-key enough not to compete with the interiors it was placed in; be stackable to ten-high; be made from recycled materials; be super strong; light weight; fireproof; and comfortable.

The solution: Foster + Partners designed the chair with all the features they were looking for and worked with Emeco, builders of great chairs since 1944, to produce the chair.

The result: The Emeco 20-06 Stacking Chair made of brushed recycled aluminum king-sized and equipped with a stacking base.

The consensus: Very cool, classic and subtle enough to blend with most contemporary, modern and eclectic interiors.

• Posted at 12:54 PM
• designer chair, dining chairs
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Bold Hall Tables with Impact

Inspired by the zebra print upholstered chairs in Susi’s Friday Finds, here’s a modern console table with a wild touch; the Ultimate Accents Contempo Zebra Hall Table. Made of solid wood and boasting zebra-print lacquer with a crackle finish, hall tables like this one are a terrific way to make a bold impression when placed in a front entry hall. Its 2-door cabinet with black metal pulls gives you lots of storage. The black and white zebra print will go with the majority of modern furnishings art and accents. However, don’t get too wild— too much animal print cheapens the classy and chic look just a little creates. Less is more when it comes to these bold prints.

Place the Zebra Hall Table in front of a floor to ceiling framed mirror and an unexpected burst of color coming from two boldly-hued crystal table lamps on its top. 

• Posted at 4:24 PM
• console tables, hall tables
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Traditional Chaise Lounges Double as Daybeds

When looking for a quiet and comfortable spot to rest your weary head and feet, you don’t want feel like you are resting on a rock. Some traditional chaise lounge chairs and daybeds are beautiful, but incredibly uncomfortable, leaving you feeling more tense after a nap than you did before. When looking for a chaise lounge chair to actually relax in, be sure to choose one you can sink into with loads of cushion and a fluid design to fit your body. This may seem a bit of a physical challenge if you are planning on buying a chaise online, but you can actually eye it pretty well whenn you know what to look for.

Take a look at these two different chaise lounge chairs. One pretty and looks as if it belongs in a Victorian parlor which would be great if you weren’t going for comfort. The other is sumptuous and its cushioning is plentiful. Train your eye to hone in on certain comfort features such as seat depth, curvy lines and lots and lots of cushion.

The Delmar Chaise in burgundy maroon is pretty, proper and perfect for a formal traditional room.

The Klaussner FiFi Chaise Lounge Chair leaves little doubt at its tremendous comfort with plump seat cushioning and fluffy movable back pillows.

• Posted at 5:25 PM
• chaise lounges, daybeds
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Leather Loveseat with a History

There is nothing more classically modern than the Barcelona Love Seat by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Mies, a twentieth century iconic designer and influential architect, once said “It is easier to build a skyscraper than a chair.” If this is true, then Mies was a genius beyond measure for his Barcelona furniture design caught on at the 1929 World’s Fair in Barcelona and has been a fixture in many modern homes ever since.

When you choose a leather loveseat, you want a stand out design and the Barcelona offers just that. Among modern loveseats, the Barcelona is exceptional, not just for its terrific looks and comfortable seating, but for its wonderful history. Learn more about Mies van der Rohe and his designs.

• Posted at 6:08 PM
• leather loveseats, loveseats
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Friday Finds: Traditional Chairs Get Wild

This week Susi is changing up the Friday Finds to give you a high to low price comparison of several upholstered chairs in a similar style and fabric. These traditional chairs take a walk on the wild side in classy zebra print upholstery.

Sophie Lounge Chair is a luxury buy at $2629. Made from kiln-dried hardwoods and stamped hide upholstery, the Sophie is worth the expense.

The Rotundo Arm Chair, in plantation hardwoods and chenille fabric, has a bit more delicate frame than the others. It comes in at at $426.

The Zebra Print Occasional Chair at $150 is a steal. It has the same classy looks of the higher priced chairs without giving up quality.

• Posted at 12:16 PM
• living room chairs, upholstered chairs
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Little Black Sofas

The simplicity and subtle impact of a black sofa is not unlike that of a woman in the perfect LBD (little black dress); forever classic and always alluring. For example, simple sofas dressed in unexpected fabrics, such as black velvet, make a subtle statement of class and confidence. Simple sofa styles lend themselves well to most any décor, whether you have traditional taste or modern.

The Brookhaven Dylan Velvet Sofa in luxurious black velvet on a solid wood frame with chrome trim and legs is the perfect example of the LBS (little black sofa). Simple lines in a transitional style make it a perfect fit for many interiors, whether you plan to do an all white and black living room or would like a neutral palette so you can add in bold color with pillows or an area rug. 

• Posted at 5:37 PM
• black sofas, sofas
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Brunner Traditional Storage Ottoman

Who: Uttermost

What:  Brunner Junior Storage Ottoman

Where:  Hayneedle via StylePath

How Much: Under $270

Why We Dig It: This storage ottoman looks rich with its saddle-brown faux leather upholstery decoratively stitched and nail head accents. The flip side of the hardwood  lift-off top is stained a deep walnut and provides access to ample storage for anything you may need to keep close by like a snuggly afghan or remote controls.

Why You Need It: If you’ve been looking at traditional ottomans, but haven’t found just the right one, the Brunner will add a bit of warm richness to your room and provide the hideaway space you require. 

• Posted at 5:33 PM
• ottomans, storage ottomans
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Chic and Comfortable Classic Settees

When you think of a settee, you may picture a beautiful piece of furniture which is a formal, tight-fitting and uncomfortable place to sit. True, there are plenty of classic settees out there just as you imagined, but luckily there are also plenty of designers who took both comfort and beauty into consideration when designing their settees.

Lush, plush and fabulously comfortable, you’ll literally sink into these new classics like the Hampton Collection Chenille Settee. What’s more classic than down seating upholstered in the softest pile golden chenille and trimmed with heavy bullion fringe and nail head detailing? The Hampton has all of this and more.  You’ll find yourself going back to this classic settee time and time again.

• Posted at 2:36 PM
• loveseats, settees
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• 1 comment

Tropical Year-Round Casual Chairs

If you live near the coast, year-round tropical home furnishings are more than appropriate, they keep that special vacation feeling in your home all year long. Tropical furnishings bring nature indoors when made from beautiful materials such as rattan, wicker and bamboo. Tropical-styled casual chairs make those long, lovely days overlooking the water a simple pleasure.

On the other hand,  what if you don’t live near the coast and still yearn for a little slice of paradise to add to your home without it standing out from your other furnishings? The New Pacific Monaco Living Chair in natural Abaca twist weaving on a solid Mango wood frame topped off with a leather cushion should do the trick. The tropical materials paired with the dark leather chair cushion create a casual chair which will blend nicely with other wood and upholstered pieces alike. 

• Posted at 2:29 PM
• leather chairs, living room chairs
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Modern Italian Oak End Tables

No bedroom is complete without bedside tables. Besides making a perfect place for bedside lamps, they’re a must for holding your beverages, reading materials or a scented candle or two. They come in every material, finish and color you can imagine and depending upon your taste and the style of your bedroom it shouldn’t be hard to find bedside tables you’ll love.

An easy way to approach finding those perfect tables is not box yourself in. Don’t feel you have to match all the woods or materials in your bedroom exactly, mix it up a bit and put pieces you absolutely love together. For example, if you have a contemporary or modern look to your bedroom, consider oak end tables in an unusual finish like the Italian-designed Virgola Night Stand in a light teak.

When it comes to modern or contemporary style oak end tables, the Italians have the right idea—they added brushed nickel modern drawer pulls that fit fluidly with the streamlined design of the Virgola Night Stand. 

• Posted at 4:01 PM
• bedside tables, end and night tables
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Home Office Desks Just for You

Depending on our home situation, some of us just need a little space all our own. We don’t even require a whole room, just an area where we can keep our important papers, magazines we haven’t had a chance to thumb through or just to sit and daydream. Many home office desks are bulky and require a big area and even then they don’t have drawer space. To create the perfect area requires lots of cubbies, drawer space and a way to keep it all neat and tidy. The Amalia Secretary Desk has all of this and more.

Handcrafted out of solid wood and hand-painted in a feminine blue, rose and ivory design with mint green foliage, the Amalia is not only charmingly pretty it is completely functional as a writing desk, drawing desk or simply a place to pay bills. Make it your own special area for whatever you fancy.

• Posted at 5:54 PM
• desks, writing desks
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Antique Sideboards Perfect as Media Centers

Normally found in a large kitchen or dining room, credenzas, buffets and antique sideboards (like the Carmel Buffet below) break the mold with great looks and functionality perfect for use in the living room. The top holds your flat screen television and the shelves below keep media equipment stored neatly and safely. Its three big drawers hold remotes, game controllers, video games and anything else you would like to hide away.  The glass panel doors even receive remote control signals!

The Carmel Buffet from Modern Furniture Warehouse is antiqued in a dark finish to make it look like an authentic and aged antique sideboard with a particular modern twist. The ambiguous and eclectic design lends itself to any style home whether you love country, traditional, modern, contemporary or a mix of all of the above.

• Posted at 3:31 PM
• buffets and sideboards, credenzas
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Country Style Benches and Hall Trees

The Regina Narrow Hall Tree makes a stunning focal point in this entry. The boldness of its black window pane pattern paired with a strikingly tall back makes this a top pick among many other country style benches and hall trees. Among its other standout features are a handy seat with an underneath storage bin, a narrow design for smaller spaces and six top hooks for coats, hats and scarves.

Although, the Regina Hall Tree lends itself towards a more country or casual décor, it would really pop in an all black and white contemporary design or in a eclectic space with a mix of other woods. 

• Posted at 3:28 PM
• benches, hall trees
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The Zacara Collection Modern Armoires

Who: Lexington: The Zacara Collection

What: Sable Zacara Contemporary/ Anatole Modern Armoire

Where: Improvement Direct via StylePath

How Much: Under $2,700

Why We Dig It: The mix of walnut and zebrano hardwoods in a warm sable finish combined with the unusual design of slated doors and custom designed champagne finished hardware doesn’t look like all modern armoires or other TV and media armoires out there.

Why You Need It: This modern armoire will make a stand-out addition to any modern or contemporary living room or bedroom. It is equipped with everything you need to house your television and media devices in style.

Sable Zacara Contemporary/ Anatole Modern Armoire

• Posted at 3:07 PM
• armoires, tv and media armoires
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Friday Finds: Escape with The Great Gatsby

Susi's post this week is a tribute to "The Great Gatsby" fans everywhere. She combines design elements so prevalent during those rowdy roaring 20s; an art deco chandelier and white leather chaise, glamorous metallic finished end tables and a console table and a Fortuny-inspired mirror. This Jazz age room would inspire anyone to believe in the great American Dream Fitzgerald both idolized and critiqued in his novel.

Lace Five Uplight Chandelier

Modern White Chaise from Modern Furniture Warehouse

Cipriani End Table with Drawer

City Sage Rectangular Rug

Black Mumm Large Meridian Accent Table Lamp

Nova Twisted Sister Console Table

Kovac's Chic Table Lamp

Fortune Venetian Mirror

• Posted at 3:49 PM
• chaise lounges, leather chaise
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Perfect Duo: A Chaise Lounge and a Good Book

This amazing home library design got us thinking about what furniture would make your home library experience the most enjoyable, whether you have a dozen books or a thousand. For those who love to read, the ultimate piece of furniture would be a chaise lounge—one that would offer luxurious comfort plus great beauty and style. We came up with these candidates for the one chaise that's the perfect fit for you and your interior space. What do you think?

When a lounge was longue, this rich and sumptuous solid mahogany antique reproduction Millennium Monaco Thyme longue by Ashley would have been a favorite of Victorian ladies.

It could be hard to actually sink down and relax in the Daphne Chaise Lounge, instead slink down and let your body mold to its curves.

Want to go wild while still maintaining a little traditional décor? Look at this Wildon Home Ventura Cherry Chaise with a zebra print back, it'll do the trick.

Relaxing and reading a good book may become your favorite pastime if you choose this Soho Collection Armless Chaise Lounger Chair.

The Merielle Chaise Lounger might just be the cause of many missed appointments. It's a chaise for curling up and forgetting about the time.

Here's another oh so comfortable piece--the Chocolate Reststop Chaise Lounge with its stylish good looks.

If you're going modern, this Global white leather chaise might be the perfect fit for that corner with your favorite view.

• Posted at 4:59 PM
• chaise lounges, chaise sofas
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End Tables and Other Curvy Modern Decor

Modern interiors are not all sleek straight lines even when it comes to everyday furniture and home decor like night and end tables, bookshelves and even rugs. Fluid curvy shapes are also very prevalent in pieces from today's hottest designers like Karim Rashid and Magis' Stefano Giovannoni. Think about adding some flowing curves to your modern living space. Among the slinky choices we offer are these stylish curvy pieces.

This Wayborn Cho Tang Mu Modular Bookcase/Etagere combines a touch of Asian with a modern look.

Get the look of modern Italian design with this contemporary Star Chair.

Let the Curvy Table Lamp show off its curves on a desk or end table or night table.

Curves move underfoot with a Contempo brown and beige area rug.

• Posted at 2:32 PM
• bedside tables, end and night tables
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• 1 comment

StyleGuide: French Master Bedroom Furniture

Master Bedroom Furniture Collection all feminine French style pieces available through StylePath...

• Posted at 1:41 AM
• master bedroom furniture, wood beds
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• 0 comments

Mid Century Modern "Mad Men" Style

You see it everywhere, from House Beautiful to Mid Century Modernist, so I thought StylePath should take part in lauding the interior design of the hit series "Mad Men". It really is undeniably chic and impeccably done and surely not “textbook mid-century modern America” as Dan Bishop, Production Designer of the "Mad Men" set explains.  

Sleek chrome, vinyl and teak wood are at the forefront of this ‘60s style with a mix of 50s and 40s thrown in to make it authentic. Danish modern takes front stage in Don Draper's office with an all teak desk. The sofas in other areas of the office are boxy very reminiscent of Herman Miller’s Goetz Sofa.

If you like the "Mad Men" look, StylePath has all the resources you need to create your uber-chic mid-century pad. Take a look at these designs from Eames, Herman Miller and Saal.

Herman Miller Goetz Sofa

Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Group Lounge Chair

Saal Modern Chair in American Walnut is a fine example of Danish modern design.

• Posted at 6:42 PM
• danish furniture, designer chair, sofas
• Permalink
• 1 comment

Discover Ashley Furniture on StylePath

I read somewhere the other day about Ashley Furniture being the #1 furniture seller in North America, which led me to wonder why. Well, apparently according to their website they “sell top-quality furniture at incredibly low prices.” They are able to do this for a number of reasons: They streamlined their design, production and delivery process by cutting out the middleman in all of these areas. They have their own furniture designers on staff, they keep limited warehouse space at their Ashley furniture home stores and fill orders from regional warehouse locations which they deliver with their own fleet of trucks.

Ok, so they’ve apparently got the quality and price down, but do they have great looking furniture designs? What styles do they carry? If I wanted to go full out modern with only Ashley furniture designs could I? Or contemporary or traditional? I remember running across a few pieces of their furniture on StylePath so I thought, I would investigate further.

Wow! Here’s what I found—we have 44 pages of Ashley furniture in every style, design and price point for every room of the house. I’ve found some beautiful pieces I would love to take home with me. Take a look at our Ashley Furniture pages for yourself.

Ashley Furniture's North Shore Upholstered Arm Chairs (Set of 2) for under $450.

• Posted at 5:51 PM
• Ashley furniture, living room chairs
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• 1 comment

Friday Finds: Along Came A Spider Decor

This week Susi created a room around a lovely little creature we featured in a post earlier in the week. The lucky starlette inspiring this Friday Finds' room is no other than the CZ Spider Pin Brooch. Check out the results of Susi's inspiration and let us know what you think.

The CZ Spider Pin Brooch is encrusted with pink and clear dazzling CZs.

The Moravi Pendant's inspiration comes from the Moravian star, a symbol of good luck since the 15th century. 

The Carden Oval Wall Mirror gets its antique look from hand-forged metal with a black and silver finish applied.

The Kaleidoscope Lipstick Decorative Pillow in New Zealand wool is hand-dyed and hand-embroidered.

Surya Vine Rug from Surya Artist Studio gives a contemporary look. 

The Brushed Zeta Indoor Architectural Bench is a stunner and doubles as a work of art.

• Posted at 3:54 PM
• benches, needlepoint pillows
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• 1 comment

Classic Leather Living Room Furniture

There’s nothing quite like a lovingly-worn vintage Chesterfield sofa, with its deep creases and softly patinaed patches, but every Chesterfield has to start somewhere. If you are on the hunt for “just so” leather living room furniture then look no further than the reproduction of the true classic Chesterfield leather sofa by Timothy Oulton.

With its deep tufting, perky rolled arms and no less than 1,500 hand-hammered brass studs and count them, 85 buttons, this leather sofa is begging to go home with you. Just imagine sinking back into its deep set cushions, already supple and distressed, to give it that lived in look and feel you would spend years of lounging on it to accomplish.

This Chesterfield will give your other livingroom furniture the classy companion it’s been pining for. Your search is over— this is the “just so” sofa you’ve been looking for all along. 

Restoration Hardware Kensington Leather Chesterfield Loveseat

• Posted at 1:18 AM
• leather living room furniture, sofas
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• 1 comment

Home Decor Blog Neighbors and Friends

I got a bit antsy to get out and about on the web--sometimes you get tired of your own voice and need some company--so I decided to check out what my fellow home decor bloggers are up to. Wow, this is fun....take a look at what’s happening around our virtual world today and tell me it doesn’t make you smile. No matter where I go or what I see, I am always amazed at the creativity people have inside flowing out and molding itself into some kind of wonderful matter, whether it’s a chair, leather sofa, a fabric pattern or a simple lamp shade. We humans are fascinating creatures. Enjoy what I found on my trip around the neighborhood.

decor8

This is one of my favorite places to visit…and look what I found the most perfect pendant shade in a b-e-a-u-tiful blue!

The Decorating Diva
Our StylePath twitter buddy, The Decorating Diva, put together this terrific rustic glamour décor and there is the white leather sofa I’ve been wanting. Thank you, Carmen, for sharing!

The Material Girls

I guess I wasn't present that day in 2009 when The Material Girls posted this terrific nostalgic movie interiors post. At least I’m catching up today…

Living With White

I couldn’t get out without stopping by our good blog friends, Vish and Asia, over at Living with White. Ooooh, they’ve got the pristine and fabulously molded Eames plastic white armchair. Those Eames boys, Charles and Ray, really knew how to design a great place to sit. 

Jubella

Jubella has a little feature on photographer Rachel Whiting interior photography. This a glorious room, can’t you just imagine waking up to it!

• Posted at 5:28 AM
• leather sofas, sofas
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• 1 comment

Charming Country Console Table

Who: Bellacor

What: Ponderosa Console Table

Where: Bellacor via StylePath

How Much: Under $1500

Why We Dig It: This rustic country console table gives a feel of nature perfect for any country décor or rustic style. With its glass top supported by branches, leaves and pine cones in a charming pine bark finish it will make the perfect addition to any home.

Why You Need It: This country console table will look terrific in your rustic or country entry or as a sofa table in the living room. The charm and natural appearance of the Ponderosa table will be a beautiful focal point in any of your rooms.

Ponderosa Country Console Table

• Posted at 12:37 PM
• console tables, glass console tables
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• 0 comments

Glass Coffee Tables For Any Decor

Glass coffee tables work well in most any style or décor, but should be chosen according to the base. Some glass bases suit a more modern room while other wood bases suit a rustic or old world style living room. StylePath has many choices of glass top coffee tables in a wide variety of styles and bases. Take a look at a few of the glass top coffee tables we offer according to style.

Get a modern look with the Gloria Glass Coffee Table

The Coaster Valencia Glass Top Coffee Table with marble enclosure and iron base goes well with a contemporary or traditional decor.

This Borgheses Cocktail Table is an elegant mirrored glass top coffee table which would look fabulous in a shabby chic or very formal living room.

The Barcelona Collection Glass Top Coffee Table in rattan and mahogany would blend well in a country or rustic decor.

• Posted at 12:13 PM
• coffee tables, glass coffee tables
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• 0 comments

Exotic Zebra Print Upholstered Accent Chairs

Adding in a hint of animal print to most any interior design style or room gives a touch of the exotic and looks very chic. A zebra print can be quite dramatic with its contrasting black and white swirly stripes. One of our favorite upholstered accent chairs is the Zebra Print Occasional Arm Chair from Club Chairs. Made with a classy black durable wood frame accentuated with zebra-striped fabric on a fully padded seat and backrest, this upholstered accent chair offers comfortable seating in an elegant package. Accompany a solid colored sofa with two of the zebra upholstered accent chairs for a chic look.

Every review we have read for these chairs says the buyer is amazed by the quality of the chairs for the low price. Some reviews even mention how many compliments the new chair owners get on their animal print upholstered chairs. At under $165, you can’t beat the look or the quality of these beautiful accent chairs. 

Sandy on Club Chairs.com says of the Zebra accent chair she ordered, “This chair can really transform your space and give your room a face lift! The zebra print works in eclectic and even traditional, formal rooms. We have ours sitting in the living room and I like that it brings a bit of playfulness to the room. For this price I'll probably order another one!”

Club Chairs' Zebra Print Occasional Arm Chair

• Posted at 1:13 PM
• living room chairs, upholstered chairs
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Hide the Mess with a Computer Armoire

Face it computers are a major part of most of our lives, but along with this modern necessity comes a lot of hardware, cables, towers, and monitors.  There’s absolutely no redeeming aesthetic qualities to any of the computer mess we deal with on a daily basis and the home décor we work so hard to achieve can be overlooked and the computer mess becomes the focal point of the room. The answer? A computer armoire.

Just as we try to hide the mess of our televisions, VCRs, DVDs and game consoles away in entertainment centers and armoires, now it’s time to get the computer mess in your living room or bedroom cleaned up once and for all too. I'm just as guilty, my home office is a complete mess of every computer and printing device you can think of and it clutters my mind not to mention my space.

So I went on the hunt for the very best computer armoire StylePath had to offer, but instead I found several and am having trouble deciding. But take a look at the one I’m leaning towards. Maybe it will be just perfect for you too.

On the outside the Sunrise Computer Armoire is a lovely mix of  two-tone cherry features, black leather door panels with decorative stitching, and antique brass hardware. This combination would add a graceful presence to any room. Wrap around double doors open to reveal the inside of the computer armoire packed with computer enabling features offering you everything you need to get your work done, surf or shop online. It boasts: partitioned media storage for organizing your office tools; double pull-out trays for extra workspace and your keyboard; a pull-out printer shelf (love it!); a storage drawer and a file drawer. All for under $1300! 

Sunrise Computer Armoire for the home office exterior view.

Sunrise Computer Armoire for the home office interior view.

• Posted at 11:30 AM
• armoires, computer armoires
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• 1 comment

The Gracious Swan Entry Hall Table

Besides the front door, your entry or foyer is the first thing visitors see when coming to your home. This room should be given careful consideration and needs to be designed to make a serious statement about your style. One way of working to that end, is to add an entry hall table that is visually stunning.

A perfect hall console table addition to any style comes in the gracious and astounding Swan Console Table from Bellacor. The table base of this wood hall table is created by a pair of intertwined intricately-carved swans and with subtle design elements along the table top edging.

Add a beautiful vase or flower arrangement to the top of the table and a beautiful mirror behind for a stunning entry you and your guests will love. 

                    Bellacor Swan Console Table

• Posted at 6:28 PM
• console tables, hall tables
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• 0 comments

An Upholstered Chair with Personality

Furniture with personality seems to shout out “Look at me!” This upholstered arm chair, besides being fun and funky, has very practical characteristics. For example, the Loge Easy Chair is perfect for people who like to sit and lounge at the same time, it’s also designed to accommodate tall people with its low and deep design.

The Loge was designed in 1989 by Gerard Van den Berg in Holland and continues to be a classic choice in modern designed interiors due to its almost endless array of upholstery choices in fabrics and leathers. When it comes to upholstered chairs, the Loge Easy Chair wins our vote hands down for its artsy look, cool personality and functional attributes.

Gerard Van den Berg's Loge Easy Chair makes a great a addition to any modern or contemporary interior where no other upholstered accent chair will do.

• Posted at 10:59 AM
• living room chairs, upholstered chairs
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• 0 comments

Pink Seven Sofa and Betsey Johnson

Not all ladies love pink, especially in our decor. I was on the fence about it until I saw these great shots of the absolutely splendid pink apartment Betsey Johnson designed (is there anything this woman can’t do?) A little pink goes a long way, but a lot of pink goes on for miles! I got curious to see what pink pieces we have on StylePath, so here is a living room sofa that's bold and pink, it would surely get the nod from Ms. Johnson herself.

                          Betsey Johnson in her apartment. (Credit)

Ms Johnson's Dining Room. I just love the yellow and metal dining room chairs. (Credit)

                               Pink Seven Sofa

• Posted at 8:11 AM
• leather living room furniture, sofas
• Permalink
• 2 comments

Three Famous Modern Chair Designs

The German-born American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe once said of chair design, “A chair is a very difficult object. A skyscraper is almost easier. That is why Chippendale is famous.” In tribute to the modernist chair designers who created some of the most famous designer chairs in the world, we've given them a place on our list and given you access to the alternative designer styles on StylePath, so you can easily choose your favorite!

Bibendum Chair by Eileen Gray

Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen

Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen

• Posted at 6:14 PM
• designer chair, living room chairs
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• 1 comment

Upholstered Chairs for the Living Room

Upholstered chairs in a textured or patterned fabric can add interest and comfort to any room especially the living room.  There is nothing like a comfortable upholstered club chair to sink back in and relax while watching a movie or visiting with friends and family. 

Originally, club chairs could be found in “men’s clubs” where men gathered to converse, drink and smoke cigars. The first club chair designs were leather with straight backs and deep seats for long hours of comfort. Today’s club chairs, designed for the home, are still comfort-oriented, but can be found in many styles, shapes, sizes and upholstery options. From the informal overstuffed thick-framed style to the sleek synthetic covered modern style, there are upholstered club chairs for every décor.

StylePath offers a ton of choices in upholstered club chairs. So sign in if you’ve already joined or sign up and let us suggest the club chairs that fit your style. 

Sam Moore Rio Club Chair in paisley print upholstery and brass brads.

• Posted at 4:06 PM
• living room chairs, upholstered chairs
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• 1 comment

Wood Coffee Tables for a Spanish Style Decor

Spanish style furniture marries elegance and rustic beauty with rich warm woods, distressed finishes and flourished accents of copper, tile and ornamental iron. The wonderful wood coffee tables from La Fuente Imports we are featuring today are resplendent with all of these old world style touches. They will fit just as beautifully with a formal Spanish colonial décor as they will a more relaxed Mexican design.

La Fuente Imports’ Durango Coffee Table is a one of kind piece made from reclaimed wood and a hand-hammered copper inlay that apprears to float off the base. This round wood coffee table is sized to whichever hand wrought iron base you choose. 

Madrid Mexican Rustic Pine Coffee Table, distressed pine with rustic iron scrolled legs.

La Fuente Imports’ Mexican Rustic Square Lyon Coffee Table provides a less formal choice. This  distressed pine solid wood coffee table also offers a great price point and increased durability for an active household.

• Posted at 5:44 PM
• coffee tables, wood coffee tables
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• 1 comment

Friday Finds: Modern to Mission Library

Our furniture editor has the best job in the world; she gets to spend her days scouring the web and finding the most beautiful home furnishings on earth. So every Friday, we are going to bring you what catches her fancy, gives her a whim or gets her creative juices flowing. This week she took it to the limit and created a whole room from products found on StylePath. This week’s room is a mission to modern library. Have a terrific weekend and happy shopping!

Room & Board Louis Chair in Summit Cognac is a modern take on a traditional men's club chair.

Oak Hida Rectangular End Table encompasses modern and mission design all in one.

Furniture Classics Double Stack Manor House Bookcase in solid oak offers plenty of shelves to store all of your collector editions.

Fenton Desk with glass top and modern styling. Read about the writing desks of famous authors.

The Bellacore Dream Tan Area Rug will give will warmth underfoot. Made from New Zealand Wool.

Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in which the Mission style found its roots, the Mackintosh Leaf Chandelier will illuminate your book as well as your beautifully styled modernistic mission room.

• Posted at 7:06 PM
• desks, mission furniture
• Permalink
• 1 comment

Nova's Twisted Sister Glass Console Table

Who: Nova and Jon Gilmore Designs

What: The Twisted Sister Glass Top Console Table

Where: Modern Furniture via StylePath

How Much: Incredibly priced at $729.99

Why We Dig It:  We really like shiny objects and this metal glass console table with its aluminum silver-plated base of curvy intertwined shapes is so shiny it twinkles. Nova Lighting has been making innovative lighting designs since 1923, to bring a modern edge and their classic approach to furnishings they brought on designer Jon Gilmore to bring his amazing design talents to the drawing table. The result? The mother of all glass console tables—The Twisted Sister.

Why You Need It: This beautiful glass console table is a transitional style that would work just as well with a modern décor as it would with a more traditional look in just the right place. Can you imagine this artistic piece making a dramatic impact in your entry?  Or maybe you have a room where you need to add a little height to balance out your other petite furnishings.

What room do you need to add a little drama to?

• Posted at 2:51 PM
• console tables, glass console tables
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• 0 comments

Karim Rashid Butterfly Chair

There is no doubt Egyptian-born, globally-trained designer Karim Rashid is trending volcanic right now in the design world. His designs are fun, feisty and rare gems. His self-proclaimed style—“sensual minimalism” or “sensualism” as he tells designboom.com in a Proust-style interview. Rashid accomplishments are so vast, we won’t begin to list them here, albeit he has seen and done it all. He even published a book entitled, Karim Rashid I Want to Change the World published by Thames and Hudson, 2001. (Photo Credit)

If you are the life of the party, people immediately befriend you wherever you go and you love color and lots of it, then Rashid’s style could be your own. He uses every color from the rainbow and some he has even created himself. Anyone that can wear a cotton candy pink suit and manage to look delicious and dashing at the same time has it going on in more ways than one. His designs have his personality written all over them. His penchant and talent for design is far reaching outside of his interior design spaces, he has his own lines of house wares, lighting, packaging, art, fashion, branding and logos, surfaces, fabrics, and furniture.

Everything he touches leaves a trail of vibrant color and shapes and curves that literally dance before your eyes in the most delightful way.  Smashing hues of pink, purple, blue, green, red and more cover everything from sofas to hangers.

In honor of Rashid’s design genius, we’re excited to offer one of his brilliant designs…the Karim Rashid ButterflyChair in a bold turquoise hue, chrome steel frame and Italian design. This designer chair would make a perfect armless dining chair to accompany one of Rashid’s exuberant tables. If you can relate to this elegant seating then you may have just found the entry to your own StylePath. For more information about Karim Rashid and his world view his presspak.

The Karim Rashid Butterfly Chair. This designer chair is made for Magis.

• Posted at 8:19 PM
• designer chair, dining chairs
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• 0 comments

Blu Dot: Three Stand Up Guys

Being the obsessive chair fanatics we are—our furniture editor had "quite a few" in her home at one time and I’m on the hunt for the perfect chairs for every room in my house—it’s no wonder we see ALOT of chair designers and designs. A favorite, we want to share with you,  is the Blu Dot crew. They create the most amazing chairs in comfortable and fascinating shapes. Chair fanatics themselves, they even conducted a Real Good Experiment with one of their chairs and produce movies about their designs featuring a large furry squirrel.

John Christakos, Blu Dot’s CEO and founder, recently interviewed with Bradford Shellhammer over at dwell.com. In the interview, he touches on what makes Blu Dot different from other design houses. He tells Shellhammer, “As one of the few design firms that also manufactures and markets its own designs, I have learned that design is really the easy part.  And the most fun part, although I suspected that from the beginning.  Getting a design from sketchpad to marketplace is much harder than I originally thought.”

Charles Lazor and Maurice Blanks join Christakos to make up the three Blu Dot principals. The three college friends share a profound passion for design, art and architecture. Their mission?  To “bring good design to as many people as possible.” Their design philosophy? To "create simple straightforward objects in a complicated world. Clarity is very important to us." We like the way they think!

Another character trait we love about these guys is they don’t take individual credit for their designs. They approach concept, design and production as a collective effort. Christakos says of the process, “We are a design collective and have been from the very beginning. For the first several years, Charlie, Maurice, and I designed everything and we did that collaboratively. Some pieces may have started in my sketchbook or Charlie's or Maurice's but by the end they were truly a group effort. We are firm believers that the collective effort often yields results that can't be reached on a solo basis.”

Others are talking about the Blu Dot trio too. Marissa Bartolucci of American Contemporary Furniture, says of the three designers,  "With their inventive, can-do spirit that characterized the work of the Eameses, Blu Dot has resurrected the values of the Good Design movement and its popular potential."

Design on you terrific three! The Blu Dot Buttercup Rocker below would work great as a living room chair and has my name written all over it. Simply b-e-a-uuuu-tiful!

• Posted at 3:24 PM
• designer chair, living room chairs
• Permalink
• 1 comment

Versatile Ottomans for Every Room

A comfortable chair or sofa is made so much better when accompanied by an ottoman. Ottomans are super versatile and can act as a foot rest, coffee table, storage container or style statement. With so much going for it, you won’t be lost trying to find the perfect ottoman for your home. Use one in the living room in front of the sofa, place one at the foot of the bed to put on shoes, or add one in front of a comfy chair for a reading corner.

Besides all of their terrific uses, ottomans come in every style, color and size and shape you can imagine such as a leather ottoman, storage ottoman, wood ottoman and round ottoman. StylePath has over 600 ottomans to choose from, but don’t worry we’ll narrow down those choices and give you just what you’re looking for. Take a look at a few of our favorites, they may just be what you are looking for.

The Button Ottoman from Bellacore is stylishly modern in white leather and will accompany other leather living room furniture nicely.

Wattely Storage Ottoman in brown leather with double stitched grid work and brass brads.

The Cayenne Ottoman in fabric and black wood gives plentiful top space to act as a coffee table in a larger living room.

• Posted at 1:18 PM
• leather living room furniture, ottomans
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• 0 comments

Kimberley Seldon Offers Coffee Table Guide

In the market for a coffee table, but unsure which is the one for you?  According to Kimberley Seldon, host of the popular television series “Design for Living” and columnist for HomeEnvy.com, you’re not alone.

She says, “Rarely designed for its own style-potential, this hardworking occasional table has finally become a star in its own right. However, consideration of style, scale, shape, and functionality make choosing this living room staple a challenging task.”

Seldon created a thorough and engaging coffee table guide to help you choose just the right coffee table for you. She includes a brief history of the coffee table, what you should consider before purchasing one and how to avoid some of the design pitfalls associated with placing a coffee table in your décor. So no matter whether you find you need a square coffee table, a wood coffee table or a glass coffee table, you’ll be sure to return to StylePath with a new found confidence and ability to pick just the right coffee table for your home and we’ll be here to help!

• Posted at 12:57 PM
• coffee tables, glass coffee tables
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• 1 comment

Van Gogh Designs Jane Chaise Lounger

Van Gogh would have surely loved this chic chaise lounger which boasts his name. Plush and curvy, this traditional chaise with a modern edge looks terrific in a rich warm cheetah print. Use in the bedroom for curling up with the one you love or in the living room with a good book. The quality construction is supported by a durable hardwood frame with a sinuous spring design.

Stylishly speaking it takes only a little bit of animal print to make a big impact, so leave the cheetah to the chaise to make your statement. Many fine homes can be found furnished with a hint of animal print here and there. What do you think of this style?

Random Fact: The American term “chaise lounge” is an erroneous English translation from the French term “chaise longue”. It has been so widely misused that it has become accepted as correct terminology even appearing as so in the English dictionaries.  

Van Gogh Designs Jane Chaise Lounger

• Posted at 7:02 PM
• chaise lounges, designer chair
• Permalink
• 1 comment

Color Lovers Go Neutral

Here's a bit of design advice for all you color lovers out there. If you have a thing for color (the brighter the better, you say?) then choose your bigger upholstered pieces (sofas, lounge chairs, settees and living room chairs) in neutrals of beige, taupe, ivory, white, gray and black. Pairing big neutral pieces with favorite or trending colors has become a popular practice as we look to design in more budget conscience ways.

With a neutral canvas in place, you can go wild with a colorful palette you love for accessories, art, accent pieces and walls. If you like things to be fresh and exciting, a neutral base allows you to change things up according to seasonal trends or on a whim. You’ll never get bored with your décor again.

Design Tip: Nothing is bland about neutral tones when you know how to use them to their best advantage. If you tend to like cooler colors such as blue, green and violet then go with a white that has a cool bluish undertone. If you like warmer colors like red, orange and yellow then choose a white with a warmer yellow undertone.

Here's a neutral sofa furniture line-up you can't go wrong with...

This white Italian leather sofa is artistically tufted with matching buttons.

Fabric upholstered sofa in gray with black walnut wood finish and antique brass casters.

Designer sofa from Seyhan Ozdemir & Sefer Caglar for De La Espada.

Corbu black leather sofa with full leather Italian upholstery.

The Jasper Contemporary Sofa with a sharp angles in a modern design.

Are you a serial decorator? Tell us what you're doing to keep your ever-changing decor budget friendly.
 

• Posted at 1:30 PM
• leather living room furniture, sofas
• Permalink
• 1 comment

The Classic Panton Chair

You avoid the beaten path at all costs, you think outside the box (you hate the phrase), and you continually fight for your right to be funky. If this sounds like you, then Verner Panton surely must have had you in mind when he designed the limited edition Panton chair.

Panton, touted as one of Denmark’s most influential 20^th century interior and furniture designers, is best known for his Panton chair design. Reinvented in a new color every year since 1967, this award-winning chair has seen the inside of many museums, famous homes and unexpected places like Bohemia’s St. Bartholomew's Church designed by QUBUS. (Sorry, the cross design isn’t available to the public.) Church Interior

The Panton, molded out of a solid piece of fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene, is manufactured by Vitra of Germany. This chair may be a piece of art, but its naturally flowing curves and flexible nature make an "oh, so comfortable" place to rest.

Make a strong design statement or add a splash of color (retro pink and light blue were 2007’s color offerings) to your dining room by pairing four or more with a bent glass table. Equally suited for outdoor use, the Panton can take a beating due to its UV and weather-proof shell which contains additives to prevent fading.

Due to the Panton’s limited edition status, supplies are, you guessed it, limited. The $260 price tag makes it a steal. It’s exclusively available through Hive.

2007 Panton Chair in Light Blue

• Posted at 11:38 AM
• designer chair, dining chairs
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Bowl Me Over

Forty year-old, Czech-born Pavel Hanousek has a thing for hot stuff—hot molten glass that is. When he gets in the mood to play with fire and sand the result is an eclectic array of original art glass like the Twin Time Bowl below. This hand-blown decorative glass bowl is a swirl of color in amber, purple and red.

His art glass studio, Fusion Z, located in Healdsburg, California, fuses American and European design with the European glass-blowing techniques of master craftsmen. Chip Scarborough, Tony Evans, Jiri Pacinek and Igor Muller join Hanousek to make up the Fusion Z family.

The rest of the collection includes vases, bowls, perfume bottles, sculptures and other random, but beautiful, glass objects. All pieces are signed by their respective designers, numbered and available in limited editions only. So get’ em while you can.

The Europeans must have a corner on the glass-blowing bowl market. Nuvo Designs brings you this lovely Murano glass bowl which is created and signed by a European glass artist. No bowl or glass vase is the same and have unique form and color combinations.

Random Fact: Glassblowing is a technique used to inflate molten glass into a bubble aided by blowpipe or blow tube. This technique was discovered by the Phoenicians around 50 BC. The earliest artifacts of glassblowing were found in Jerusalem and date from as early as 4 BC. Now that’s old!
 

• Posted at 6:22 AM
• bowls, glass console tables
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What Do the French and Swedish Have in Common?

This brilliant settee from Wisteria!  French provincial never looked so good than dressed up with a little Louis XV grandeur then subdued by Swedish-style linen. The curvy elegance of this settee is situated atop carved cabriole legs made of distressed wood. Two pillows are included for a bit of extra comfort. Use in place of a traditional living room sofa and pair with a couple of French chairs.

Even if you don’t own a manor house in the French countryside, you can pull off the look by pairing this beauty with patinaed metals, woven chair backs and seats and gold-gilded mirrors. If you have dreams of visiting Paris one day, tide yourself over by adding a touch of French style to your home.

Carry the French theme throughout your space with additional living room furniture that compliments your heavenly settee. Here’s our picks for a fabulous room…

Old world style and romantic charm meet modern functionality in this patina-finished amoire. Pictured in Honey Ash by Wynwood.

Add a touch of the unexpected to your living room with this exquisite Paris Flea Golden Teak Eighteen-Light chandelier (if you thought that was a mouth full try saying it in French). This one is to completely die for.  So what if the chandelier costs more than your settee…if the $3,600 price tag doesn’t fit your budget take a look at some similar items that might. 

Ethan Allen may not be of French descent but he did one heck of a job fooling us with this antique-washed Kashan Rug in muted shades of soft green, khaki and terra-cotta. Get one for your room. Your feet will thank you and think they’ve just walked through a Persian garden.  Enjoy  the spoils of a perfectly-posh Parisian existence!

• Posted at 9:20 AM
• area rugs, chandeliers, designer chair, glass dining tables, loveseats
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